April 01, 2016
Additional Dollars Address Record Ridership and Growing Demand
ALBANY, NY (April 1, 2016) - The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) will receive an additional $1.8 million in State Transit Operating Assistance (STOA) as part of the 2016-17 New York State Budget. The addition brings CDTA’s STOA funding package to $35.7 million. An additional $3.6 million will be provided to support Capital needs in fiscal year 2017. Additional capital funds are likely to be available through a multi-year New York State Department of Transportation plan.
“We applaud the efforts of the Governor and the Legislature for recognizing the important role transit plays not only here in the Capital Region but across upstate New York communities,” said CDTA Chairman, David M. Stackrow. “Transportation is a direct link to growth and vitality in our communities and with this increase in funding CDTA will continue the work we do connecting people to jobs, to opportunities and to spurring economic growth.”
CDTA Board of Directors adopted the Authority’s Operating Budget and Capital Plan for fiscal year 2017 at their monthly Board Meeting held Wednesday. CDTA will finish the current fiscal year, which ended March 31, with its second consecutive year of record ridership with more than 17 million boardings. Additional state funding and capital money will continue the Authority’s vision of a stronger and more vibrant CDTA. Some of the highlights include the development of the Uncle Sam Transit Center in Troy, Lark and Washington Safety Improvements in Albany, a new communications system, and the development of two BRT lines (River Corridor and Washington/Western corridor).
Stackrow added, “This is very good news for transit systems across the state and certainly for CDTA. Additional operating and capital funds will provide us with more flexibility and options to provide even better service to the people of the Capital Region.”